College Program Parents Thread...

[Yvette563]

My poor daughter is on day 13 today still in progress. She is so frustrated seeing some get accepted 3 days after their phone interview. There doesnt seem to be any acceptances going out today (at least to those on the fb pages)

I definitely know how hard the wait can be.. Will be keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[Andtototoo]

My poor daughter is on day 13 today still in progress. She is so frustrated seeing some get accepted 3 days after their phone interview. There doesnt seem to be any acceptances going out today (at least to those on the fb pages)

It's so hard. Last year, my dd didn't hear until mid December. The longest 3 months of her life.

 

[IrishTink]

DD had her phone interview last Thursday and has been waiting on pins and needles for her acceptance email. I believe her preferred roles were Merchadise, Lodging, and Attractions. She also said she'd take Spring or Spring Advantage.

I know this will be a wonderful opportunity if she's accepted, but need some advice on how she can do the program but retain her full-time student status at her college. (She has a scholarship that I don't want her to lose.) I don't think her school gives any credits for the CP, and everything I've read indicates the internet is very unreliable, so online classes might not be an option. Any advice?

Also, for any CP alumni, is there an opportunity to earn money over and above expenses? I'm asking because working over the summer is how my daughter earns spending money for the upcoming school year, so if she's offered Spring Advantage, that will take away her earning potential at home.

I'm sure we'll find some way to work all these things out -- but I'm a worrier by nature!

 

[aznshents]

DD had her phone interview last Thursday and has been waiting on pins and needles for her acceptance email. I believe her preferred roles were Merchadise, Lodging, and Attractions. She also said she'd take Spring or Spring Advantage.

I know this will be a wonderful opportunity if she's accepted, but need some advice on how she can do the program but retain her full-time student status at her college. (She has a scholarship that I don't want her to lose.) I don't think her school gives any credits for the CP, and everything I've read indicates the internet is very unreliable, so online classes might not be an option. Any advice?

Also, for any CP alumni, is there an opportunity to earn money over and above expenses? I'm asking because working over the summer is how my daughter earns spending money for the upcoming school year, so if she's offered Spring Advantage, that will take away her earning potential at home.

I'm sure we'll find some way to work all these things out -- but I'm a worrier by nature!

Full time status depends on the college. You have to have a certain amount of credits per semester in order to be able to be still considered 'full time', and if the college doesn't give credit for anything CP-related, it might be a tough shot to stay full-time. Look into online classes- I was able to take two distance-learning classes with my university when I was there.

There is definitely an opportunity to earn money to cover more than just expenses. She can pick up extra shifts on the Hub and could (read: could) potentially earn overtime by doing so, and a little extra spending cash. I know I did. And making a budget and sticking to it certainly helps, although it's hard to do when you live and work in Disney World

 

[Eyepga]

Im not too sure. I know my daughter has joined a facebook group for CP SA Check-In date Jan 7th, and she has filled out a roomate survey there.. I would definitely have her check there. I also read on a blog or thread that they could find a roomie(s) through the DCP website but I didn't see anything listed. Are you planning on flying out with your daughter? Have you seen the airline prices? GOOOOOODNESS they are ridiculous right now! I'm really hoping they will go down as their depature date get closer.

Yes, I'll be flying out with my daughter. I'm hoping fares come down, too! Don't know how long to wait to book. Last we checked there wasn't a FB group page for Feb 4 arrivals. Any parents out there have kids checking in that day? Anyone else in concierge roles? I'm mostly seeing early January arrivals and every other role besides concierge.

 

[Andtototoo]

DD had her phone interview last Thursday and has been waiting on pins and needles for her acceptance email. I believe her preferred roles were Merchadise, Lodging, and Attractions. She also said she'd take Spring or Spring Advantage.

I know this will be a wonderful opportunity if she's accepted, but need some advice on how she can do the program but retain her full-time student status at her college. (She has a scholarship that I don't want her to lose.) I don't think her school gives any credits for the CP, and everything I've read indicates the internet is very unreliable, so online classes might not be an option. Any advice?

Also, for any CP alumni, is there an opportunity to earn money over and above expenses? I'm asking because working over the summer is how my daughter earns spending money for the upcoming school year, so if she's offered Spring Advantage, that will take away her earning potential at home.

I'm sure we'll find some way to work all these things out -- but I'm a worrier by nature!

She needs to talk to her school about their requirements and options because some schools don't offer online classes for "regular" students, some do, etc.

If someone asked my advice based upon my dd's experiences, I'd be loathe to say that it's a good idea to be in the CP and going to school full-time. One reason is that it might be a rather substantial challenge to do that much schoolwork with the hours she might be given during the spring break period, which lasts at WDW for nearly a month. During that month which was also mid-term time at many colleges, my dd (who was in Attractions at MK) never worked less than 50 hours per week and one week worked nearly 70 hours. Many of her days were 14+ hours (and that's 14+ hours on your feet dealing with guests -- IOW, exhausting). So that's 14+ hours at work, plus 2 hours on the bus and that leaves you with 8 hours to sleep, do schoolwork, eat...

I'm sure there are some people who can survive on caffeine and little sleep. I'm sure there are CPers who don't get assigned those long hours, but going in, you have no way of knowing what hours she'll be working. I therefore wouldn't advise my dd to try to do full-time college and work in the CP.

My dd did earn extra money by picking up extra shifts during times when she wasn't working umpteen hours per week. (I don't think she ever worked less than 40 except her last week.) She crosstrained for parade duty and it was easy to pick up parade shifts. She also picked up an Attractions shift in her assigned area here and there. (I don't think you could pick up a shift in an Attractions area for which you had not been trained, however.)

In terms of money, my dd wasn't a profligate spender and her income was sufficient to pay for her basic expenses. It would not have been sufficient to pay for "fun" stuff, however. Although she and her friends spent a lot of time using their free entry to WDW for leisure time activities, she dipped a little into her savings for other things such as eating out, going to Universal, going to the movies, etc. I think if someone were more able/interested in cooking, then savings could be made that way -- dd spent money going to eat after her late night shifts with her friends since they were getting off of work at 3am, they couldn't really go back to their apartments to cook or hang out at that time and wake up their roommates.

 

[IrishTink]

Thanks for the responses -- I really appreciate it!!!

 

[IrishTink]

DD found out today she was accepted in Merchandise...yay!!!

 

[firstgood]

DD found out yesterday she was accepted to Spring program. I am a CP alum from 1987. She is so excited. She interviewed on Wed. And got a letter on Friday.

 

[frankcastle]

My daughter got accepted forthe spring 2013 now here dashboard has quit working. Any clues how to reconnect.

Frank

 

[Joanna71985]

DD found out today she was accepted in Merchandise...yay!!!

Congrats!

DD found out yesterday she was accepted to Spring program. I am a CP alum from 1987. She is so excited. She interviewed on Wed. And got a letter on Friday.

Congrat! What role did she get

 

[IrishTink]

Sorry -- didn't go back through every page, but I know when DD goes through Check-In it will take several hours and then we'll help her move into whatever apt she gets. What then? Does she start working right away or will she have a day or two to spend with us? I'm trying to figure out how many nights we need to reserve the hotel.

 

[frankcastle]

I would like to know also.
Frank

 

[Andtototoo]

Sorry -- didn't go back through every page, but I know when DD goes through Check-In it will take several hours and then we'll help her move into whatever apt she gets. What then? Does she start working right away or will she have a day or two to spend with us? I'm trying to figure out how many nights we need to reserve the hotel.

When dd was in CP this spring in Attractions in MK, here's how it went for her:

Wednesday: Check-in, Casting, Apartment meeting for everyone
Thursday: Off for everyone
Friday: She had to report to work for "Traditions" at MK. Her three roommates had that day off -- they were in Attractions (AK), QFS (AK) and Merch.
Saturday: The other three roommates had to report for their first day of work. Dd reported for her second day.
Sunday: Everyone went to work.
Etc.

 

[vellamint]

I just want to say....I am soooooo glad Southwest allows 2 free checked bags each.. We are going to look like a luggage cart carrying all that plus a carryon but at least I know my girls can pack whatever they need!

 

[IrishTink]

I just want to say....I am soooooo glad Southwest allows 2 free checked bags each.. We are going to look like a luggage cart carrying all that plus a carryon but at least I know my girls can pack whatever they need!

Me too! That's the airline we'll be using as well. The one thing that has me worried is with coming from the west coast, our flight doesn't arrive until 9pm...by the time we get to the resort and find our room, it will probably be close to 11pm. Check-in the next morning will be a killer for DD if she has trouble falling asleep due to the time change.

Also, there's only a 45 min layover on the way. If the flight gets delayed it will be a complete disaster if she doesn't make the connection.

 

[donutday]

My daughter has been planning and dreaming about the program since she was not even ten years old, but she can only apply for the Summer entry after she graduates; if she takes a semester off to do it she will lose her full tuition scholarship, so she only has one shot at this. The problem is that her sister just announced her engagement and plans to get married in June and wants her only sibling in the wedding. Is Disney willing to give a few days off for something like this? When do the summer programs start? Should she mention it in her interview and application or wait? She emailed Disney but they couldn't tell her anything since she hasn't officially been accepted into the program. I am very happy for my older daughter's wedding plans but a little heartsick that the timing of the wedding might cost my younger daughter her lifelong dream.

 

[Brenda P]

My daughter has been planning and dreaming about the program since she was not even ten years old, but she can only apply for the Summer entry after she graduates; if she takes a semester off to do it she will lose her full tuition scholarship, so she only has one shot at this. The problem is that her sister just announced her engagement and plans to get married in June and wants her only sibling in the wedding. Is Disney willing to give a few days off for something like this? When do the summer programs start? Should she mention it in her interview and application or wait? She emailed Disney but they couldn't tell her anything since she hasn't officially been accepted into the program. I am very happy for my older daughter's wedding plans but a little heartsick that the timing of the wedding might cost my younger daughter her lifelong dream.

My dd is there now and hasn't had an issue getting time off. She has three four day weekends off. She put in for them as soon as she was able to log in to that portion of the computer system after checkin. Tell your dd to put in for them as soon as she is checked in and given access to that portion of the hub.

 

[Iris]

My daughter has been planning and dreaming about the program since she was not even ten years old, but she can only apply for the Summer entry after she graduates; if she takes a semester off to do it she will lose her full tuition scholarship, so she only has one shot at this. The problem is that her sister just announced her engagement and plans to get married in June and wants her only sibling in the wedding. Is Disney willing to give a few days off for something like this? When do the summer programs start? Should she mention it in her interview and application or wait? She emailed Disney but they couldn't tell her anything since she hasn't officially been accepted into the program. I am very happy for my older daughter's wedding plans but a little heartsick that the timing of the wedding might cost my younger daughter her lifelong dream.

Will she be applying for a Fall or Fall Advantage program? If it is Fall, then she would not arrive until sometime in august anyway. If she applies for Fall Advantage they start to arrive in May but some arrival dates are as late as mid June. Since she has never done the program before, I don't think she is eligible for a summer only program since they are usually for CPs that have already done the program before and some years they don't even have the summer sessions.

Requesting off is not a big problem but they need to do this sooner than later once they are there. The earlier the request, the more likely they will get it approved. My oldest daughter is also thinking of applying in Jan/Feb for Fall 2013 and it will be her only chance as well since she graduates in May. She did not wish to take time off from school and decided to apply during her last semester. Her hope is to get accepted and then stay with her sister who is currently working there and had started at Disney with the Career Start Program.

 

[Iris]

Also, for any CP alumni, is there an opportunity to earn money over and above expenses? I'm asking because working over the summer is how my daughter earns spending money for the upcoming school year, so if she's offered Spring Advantage, that will take away her earning potential at home.
!

I know of a lot of CPs that never seemed to have enough money but it really depends on the individual. My DD did the program Fall 2010 and extended until May 2011(works there permanently now) and finished the program with a substantial amount in her savings account. She did have a car as well but really did not go to the restaurants or visit other parks (like universal/sea world, etc). The first part of her program, she really didn't work more than 40 hours because of her location. The opportunity is there to save, but i noticed a lot of her roommates and friends tended to go out quite a bit and that's where the money flew.